Organisers expect the event to draw more than two million visitors by the time it concludes on January 18.
World’s Largest B2C Book Fair Begins: Entry Made Free for All at NDWBF 2026
The 53rd edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) started today at Bharat Mandapam. This marks a historic first with the announcement of free entry for all visitors.
Being called the world’s largest business-to-consumer (B2C) book fair, the nine-day event is organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) under the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the fair. It features over 1,000 publishers from 35 countries. Organisers expect the event to draw more than two million visitors by the time it concludes on January 18.
This year’s theme, “Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @75,” is showcased in a 1,000-square-metre immersive pavilion featuring replicas of the Arjun Tank and INS Vikrant.
International participation is a major highlight, with Qatar serving as the Guest of Honour country and Spain as the Focus Country. The fair encompasses more than 600 events and 1,000 speakers, alongside performances by Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force bands.
With dedicated zones for children and digital reading, the NDWBF 2026 aims to celebrate global literature while making reading accessible to all through its new free-entry policy.
Source: Hindustan Times
